Kelly Caleche Eau de Parfum by Hermès

Wow, Kelly Caleche is so chic—it’s pure Jean-Claude Ellena DNA. Forget those generic market candies; this has bright citrus freshness and flowers that shine. That leather isn’t harsh; it’s soft like suede soaked in violets and roses, mmm, glorious. Today I feel refined, empowered, and happy. If you can’t handle leather, it might not be for you, but it’s the king of the dance floor surrounded by flowers. We need different perfumes to refresh our senses, just like changing clothes changes our mood. On my skin, it lasts 6-7 hours: high projection at first, then a personal aura. Never let it go.

Kelly Caleche caught me off guard: I’m not a fan of rose or leather, but Ellena has won me over again. Inspired by visits to leather warehouses and a girl on horseback, I expected something more animalistic, but it’s not like that. This EDP has a rose-leather combo where the leather is soft, like fine leather or suede, and the rose is young, ethereal, and powdery thanks to iris, violet, and mimosa. It gives a light, talcum-powdered, and velvety touch. Although not listed, I sense vetiver and grapefruit in the background adding freshness, lightness, and a certain bitterness, perhaps with an aldehydic touch. It’s not loud; it’s delicate and full of light, very perceptible at first, with good longevity on skin. Ideal for moderate climates, spring, or autumn, and wouldn’t be out of place on a man.

I would have liked more leather presence. It comes out as a fresh rose, very marked green violet, and non-powdery iris. It’s cozy and restorative, but the problem is that I find it very boring. It lacks spark. It’s the typical lipstick touch—nothing special and very safe. I wouldn’t buy it again. It’s the first Hermès perfume that didn’t excite me.

I love it: elegant, delicate, sparkling, and fresh. Formal but very wearable. On my skin, the leather doesn’t dominate; it just accompanies the mimosa and the clean, talc-dusted violet and iris. Quite long-lasting with moderate sillage, recommended for shoulder seasons. I haven’t tested it in extreme heat; better suited for other times. Absolutely beautiful, but I suggest testing it on skin first.

Finally, I have it at home and know it better. I understand the hay scent: it smells like sweet, dry straw, like wicker. Nothing like Bagatelle. That straw-like note blends with green florals and a leather base that rounds everything out. It seems rough and soft at the same time—fresh floral and sweet green. It’s not as green as Chanel 19 nor as creamy. The dry-down is particular: at 15 degrees, after a few hours, the intensity stays only on the skin without projecting, like a natural skin scent. They should list it under animalic accords for that musky effect. I’m thrilled with my 100 ml!

Review from July 20, 2018 (I applied it as EDT by mistake). The opening is soft, powdery, and floral, but then it gains intensity and intrigue. It reminds me of black tea bags before they get wet, with flowers and spices. If I hold my nose away from the cardboard, it smells more floral. It’s complex, with layers of aroma, and looks like it has good longevity. If it smells like a stable, what charming horses! I’ll test it on skin and add it to my collection. 12/18/18: I tested it again and it seems very special. I can better distinguish the leather; it’s a green floral with that leather base. I don’t think I’ve ever smelled anything like this…

It’s a floral perfume with little leather (or perhaps it’s my sensitivity and I notice it little). I highlight that, although grapefruit isn’t listed, I do sense it in the first two hours with a freshness similar to the EDT: neither too bitter nor too sweet, just in the middle. That freshness joins the rose without weighing it down or smelling soapy. I liked it because it’s hard to describe via notes; I don’t perceive violet, iris, mimosa, or neroli strongly, but I do sense that powdery touch with leather that gives the feeling of handbag leather. Vanilla, no hehe. Despite my issues with leather, I liked it and it’s a good perfume, although it has two drawbacks: moderate performance (about two hours well and then close to the skin, and by six it’s almost gone, though forgivable for the price) and I still don’t understand why perfumers recycle so many of the same accords. I also notice that freshness in Jour Absolu, and JCE’s mineral tone is cliché, just like the leather-rose theme in Hermès: Kelly, Rose Ikebana, Cuir Ange, Galop, Rose Amazone…

I tried the perfume today. Although I was expecting that intense leather everyone mentions, what I actually smell is violet and rose. It sounds a lot like a mix between YSL’s Paris and Babydoll.